NWFA Wood Talk (NWFA Wood Talk )

Brett and Kjell discuss the NWFA Certified Professional program in depth. They discuss what the word certification truly means, the differences between professional certifications, product certifications, certificates of completion, other types of certificates, and more.

Brett Miller and John Yarema discus Yarema's path into the hardwood flooring industry, and the upcoming presentation on Tuesday, April 12, at the Pre-Expo Symposium - Define Your Niche and Tap Into a Million Dollar Market.

https://www.nwfaexpo.org/NWFA2022/Public/Content.aspx?ID=2251

The guest on this week's Wood Talk episode is Andrew St. James. Andrew holds a Ph.D. in Physics and is a wood science enthusiast who is an independent consultant in the wood flooring industry. Andrew consults for manufacturers such as Goodwin Heart Pine, as well as others. In this discussion, Brett and Andrew talk about the relationship between relative humidity, temperature, and the moisture content of wood. 

Recorded at the 2022 NWFA Expo on Wednesday, April 13th,  Brett Miller and Michael Martin are joined by Alfred Melka, Michael Fischer, and Ashley Carter of Loba-Wakol, LLC on the day of Loba's 100th anniversary.  They discuss the company and its culture and philosophy, the importance of education, the future of the company, and more.

Wood Talk welcomes Joe Rocco of Artistic Floors by Design. Brett and Joe discuss Joe's background in the wood flooring industry, how he went from being an employee to building his business, the importance of investing in employee education, the purpose of NWFA Certification, finding artistic inspiration, Wood Floor of the Year projects, and more.

Brett Miller is joined by wood flooring professionals Alex Korbut and Chris Yates to discuss their experiences in Ukraine and how they are participating in relief efforts. Korbut discusses his experiences in Ukraine since the war began. And Chris Yates discusses  his efforts to assist refugees.

Brett Miller and Russ Watts discuss the science of sanding, changes in customer expectations, how finishing furniture differs from flooring, the meaning of 'sand job topography' in relation to wood flooring, equipment maintenance, upcoming equipment maintenance class hosted at Lägler’s facility, and more.

Jared Fitzgerald of Southern Oaks Flooring in Nashville, TN, talks with Brett about his career path in and through the wood flooring industry, the unspoken values of collaborating with other professionals to stay motivated, the importance of education, and what to expect with Spanish classes and technical publications through NWFA. 

Brett Miller and Damian Bush, Technical Sales Advisor for Berger-Seidle America, discuss his background in the industry, installation differences in dry climates, and more.

Brett Miller and staff from City Floor Supply, including owners Mike and Joe Glavin, as well as Caran Baxter, and Amanda Fox-Rouch discuss distribution in today’s wood flooring industry. They talk about changes in today’s distribution business, the economic climate, supply chain issues, the importance of keeping in front of their customers through different marketing strategies, their annual nailing competition, the importance of training, and some of the continuous challenges distributors face, including the fire that ravaged their business several years ago, and how they rose from the ashes.

Brett Miller and Mike Somodean of MSCS Inc. discuss the value of education, what it means to be credentialed in the wood flooring industry, and the responsibilities you carry as a qualified professional in your market.

Brett Miller and Tim Nassis of Woodchuck Flooring in Toronto, Canada discuss his company’s business model and more.  This podcast is sponsored  by Woodchuck Flooring.

Brett Miller chats with Greg Mihaich, an application engineer for Norton/Saint-Gobain Abrasives.  In this role, he works in the professional floor sanding and DIY/Contractor markets on new product development, testing, and training. A second-generation wood flooring contractor, Mihaich has been active with NWFA, serving as an instructor at schools and assisting with updates to NWFA’s Sand and Finish Guidelines.

Brett Miller chats with Norman Kaswell, a second-generation owner of Kaswell Flooring Systems, about the history and future of end grain flooring in commercial and residential applications. They also discuss tips on installation, finishes, fillers, and long-term care of this unique cut of wood flooring. 

In this sponsored episode of the NWFA Wood Talk podcast, Brett Miller chats with Steven Suntup of Elastilon USA about his product, a peel-and-stick underlayment installation system.

Brett Miller chats with Paigh Bumgarner, Product Manager for Advantech, and Jaime Perkins, Perkins Builder Brothers. They discuss subflooring systems, testing, and subsequent advancements that the OSB industry has engaged in, how the wood panel industry has engaged with the wood flooring industry, unique wood flooring installations, and more.
 

Brett Miller and Robert Pelletier, Owner, and CEO of Pacific Hardwood, discuss his company, its recent involvement with the NWFA's Engineered Wood Flooring Refinishable Program, the importance of sustainability, and more.

Brett Miller is joined by John Alford, who is an NWFA Regional Instructor and owner of Alford's Custom Hardwood Floors, located in Loveland, Ohio.

Brett Miller and Gene Wengert, aka The Wood Doctor, discuss the upcoming  Pre-Expo Symposium: Stump the Wood Doctor with Dr. Eugene Wengert.  Gain the knowledge you can use daily to be a better hardwood flooring installer, learn how moisture impacts wood flooring, and discover hidden factors that can affect your bottom line.

https://www.nwfaexpo.org/NWFA2023/Public/SessionDetails.aspx?FromPage=Sessions.aspx&SessionID=482&SessionDateID=32

Brett Miller and NWFA Regional Instructor Willie Short of Willie James Quality Flooring discuss his background, experiences as a hardwood flooring inspector, failures over concrete slabs, the importance of floor prep, working with crawlspaces, and more.

Join Brett Miller as he chats with Jacob Durham and Megan Sherman from Loba-Wakol during a break at an NWFA hands-on training event. They discuss their history in the wood flooring industry, their unique partnership as a couple, the importance of industry engagement through hands-on events, and more. 

Brett Miller sits down with Daniel Moore, an experienced professional from Antique Floors, to discuss his long-standing career in the hardwood flooring industry. They delve into Daniel's expertise with reclaimed wood, his work in historical buildings, and the challenges and expectations that come with it. This podcast episode offers valuable insights and firsthand experiences, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the hardwood flooring industry.

Brett Miller chats with David Watson of Grand Parkett in Liverpool, England.  They discuss Watson's history in the hardwood flooring industry, similarities and differences between the wood flooring market in the United States and the United Kingdom, and more.

Brett Miller is joined by Paul Nelson, founder and operations manager of Western Sports Floors and Wyoming Wood Floors, to discuss the gym floor side of the hardwood flooring industry.

Brett Miller is joined by James, Tracy, and Michael Tinghitella of Odie’s Oil to discuss the company's founding, its products, and more.

Brett Miller chats with writer, voice actor, and HatchSpace founder and president Tom Bodett.  They discuss Bodett's career, which includes his work as the voice of Motel 6, and how his passion for woodworking lead to the creation of HatchSpace, which was conceived as a gathering place to support fine woodworking.

Brett Miller chats with Hank Adams, Director of Manufacturing for Bison Hardwood.

Brett Miller and Billy Simmons discuss the role of the hardwood flooring inspector, the process of becoming an NWFA Certified Inspector, the challenges inspectors face on the job, and more.

Brett Miller chats with Mark Whatley, Operations Manager, at Amber Flooring

In this episode of NWFA Wood Talk, Brett Miller chats with Steve Marley, Technical Director at Johnson Hardwood.  

Brett Miller chats with Jerry Levinson of Profit Now 4 Flooring Dealers about the importance of sharpening your sales skills to increase profits and more.

In this episode of the NWFA Wood Talk Podcast, Brett Miller interviews Carlos Mongalo, Program Director for the National Flooring Contractors Apprenticeship Program (NFCAP). Amidst ongoing skilled labor challenges, Carlos discusses innovative solutions such as apprenticeships and increased training in high schools and community colleges. Learn how NFCAP, in partnership with organizations like Job Corps, is setting standards and training the next generation of certified flooring tradespeople.

Brett Miller sits down with Michelle Kingsbury of Creative Hardwood Floors to explore her fascinating journey in the hardwood flooring industry. From her hands-on experience as an installer to her success as a sales representative, Michelle shares valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs she's faced along the way. Now, as she branches out into new creative ventures, Michelle discusses how she's pushing the boundaries of the industry.

In part one of a two part conversation, Brett Miller speaks with Sprigg Lynn of Universal Floors, in Washington, D.C.  Brett and Sprigg talk team building, employee education, motivation and retention. 

In the second and final part of our interview with Sprigg Lynn of Universal Floors, Brett and Sprigg discuss how to best sell craftsmanship to the consumer, actionable advice on how to take your business to the next level, and the importance of the NWFA's Certified Professional program.

Brett Miller is joined by NWFA Regional Instructor Jon Namba.  Brett and Jon discuss a wide variety of topics, including changes and trends in the flooring industry, advice for training young employees, the impact of the skills gap, marketability versus sustainability, and the messaging on hardwood flooring we should be sharing with consumers.

Brett Miller is joined by NWFA Regional Instructor Jason Elquest. Jason is the Owner of Blackhawk Floors in Scottsdale, Arizona. He currently serves on the NWFACP Board of Directors, and is a NWFACP Certified Installer, Sand & Finisher, and Inspector. Brett and Jason discuss lessons learned in the hardwood flooring industry, advice for their younger selves, and the importance of customer service.

Brett Miller speaks with Rusty Swindoll, NWFA Technical Advisor.  They discuss Rusty’s unique perspective on the hard wood flooring industry, NWFA/NOFMA Certified Manufacturers, common issues Rusty assists members with on the NWFA Technical Hotline, and details on the NWFA's new Installation Guidelines Manual.  

Brett Miller speaks with Chris Kacik, an NWFA Certified Installer, Sand & Finisher, and Inspector from Green Oak Hardwood Floors in Ireland.  Chris and Brett discuss how skills he gained by working with the National Wood Flooring Association have helped him grow his business and become a trusted authority in his country. 

Brett Miller speaks with Johannes Boonstra, territory manager with Rubio Monocoat USA. Johannes and Brett discuss some of the current trends in advanced wood floor finish systems, evolving color trends, floor maintenance misconceptions, and much more. 

Brett Miller and Dee Lenston, Professional Sales Training Manager of Bona, discuss changes they’ve seen in the hardwood flooring industry, how technology is changing the profession, the importance of ongoing education.

For more information on the NWFA and its educational programs go to https://www.nwfa.org/.

Brett Miller gives a detailed overview of the new NWFA Installation Guidelines, which are an indispensable tool offering industry-accepted standards for hardwood flooring installations. 

Brett Miller chats with multiple NWFA Wood Floor of the Year winner, Avedis Duvenjian of Archetypal Imagery, about what it takes to win the coveted WFOY award, the latest finishing trends, and his tips for working with designers and specifiers to implement modern colors and textures into a timeless flooring design.

Brett Miller discusses some of the benefits of using and specifying end-grain wood flooring, such as hardness and durability for use in commercial spaces, as well as providing tips for installing, sanding and finishing end-grain flooring with David Old and Mika Old from Old Wood LLC, out of northern New Mexico.

Learn more about NWFA and Old Wood LLC.

Brett Miller interviews Randy Harris of High Desert Hardwood.  Randy discusses meeting the expectations of demanding customers, his business philosophy, inventions he's created over the years, advice for those new to the industry, and much more.

Brett and Dave Marzalek of DM Hardwood Designs discuss his accomplishments, the art of hardwood flooring, sources of inspiration, the importance of mentors, giving back to the industry, and more.

Brett Miller and Peter Connor discuss the history of his mill, how he got started in the wood flooring industry, the impact of COVID-19, and some of his side projects. 

Brett Miller interviews Charles Peterson of Charles Peterson Signature Flooring about his history and experience in the hardwood flooring information, his journey as an author, and his quest to be the best professional possible. Look for Part Two of this interview next week.

About Charles Peterson:
https://cpwoodfloors.com/about-2/credentials/

Brett Miller interviews Charles Peterson about the importance of educating clients, the true meaning of acclimation, and why it is important to sell wood floors that fit the home.

NWFA Wood Talk Podcast - Brett Miller, NWFA Vice President of Education & Certification  and longtime NWFA Regional Instructor, Michael Dittmer, discuss Michael's experiences in the hardwood flooring industry, the importance of always improving, and best practices for working with customers.

Brett Miller and Doug Muscanell, Muscanell Millworks founder, discuss the milling processes, acclimation, and several critical components of using wood in the desert climate. Doug shares some of his history in the wood industry, what motivated him to open a wood flooring mill in the high desert region of southwestern Colorado, and how he has carved out a niche business in one of the most challenging climates for wood flooring.

Jeremy Farmer discusses his background as a wood floor craftsman, business owner, his transition from contractor to Technical Sales Rep for Glitsa, and one of his favorite hobbies, BBQ.  

Brett Miller, NWFA Vice President of Education & Certification and NWFA Regional Instructor, Ben Totta, discuss how he grew his hardwood flooring company, how to build a successful company culture and his experiences with the  NWFA Wood Flooring Specialist Apprenticeship Program.

Brett Miller and Kjell Nymark, NWFA Certification Manager, discuss NWFA's Certified Wood Floor Inspector program's evolution. They analyze the Inspector school and prerequisites to get there, and they explain why the industry continues to uphold NWFA Certified Wood Floor Inspectors as the best-of-the-best.

Brett Miller and and Karl Salzmann discuss the importance and use of data loggers in the wood flooring trade. They also explore the rise of the "smart floor," and how data loggers are a game-changer for helping the end-user reduce environmentally-caused failures in their real wood floors.

Brett Miller chats with Wayne Lee from Middle Tennessee Lumber Co. about his beginnings in the industry and his unique perspective on sanding, finishing and industry trends.

Brett Miller and Kelsey Quigg, Technical/Product Manager for Pallmann, a division of Uzin-Utz North America, discuss finish trends in the hardwood flooring industry, and how new equipment has changed the physically demanding health risks we have historically exposed ourselves to when sanding a floor.

Steve Brattin of SVB Wood Floors in Kansas City talks about differences between hardwood flooring markets, his experience with the NWFA Board of Directors, and the NWFA Certified Professionals Board of Directors, the importance of getting involved with the NWFA, and the value of being NWFA certified.

Brett Miller and guest Emily Morrow of Emily Morrow Home discuss her
perspective on hardwood flooring, including the value that real wood
brings to a home, benefits and misconceptions about engineered hardwood
flooring, and more.

Brett Miller chats with Toby Merrill, Contractor Specialist at DuraSeal, about his transition from running his own business to working for a major manufacturer, and advice on those starting out in the hardwood flooring industry.

Brett Miller and guest Emily Morrow of Emily Morrow Home discuss the idea of hardwood floors as investment, and why hardwood flooring can be considered a healthy choice.

Brett Miller chats with Ben Suer, owner of Diamond Wood Floors, about his experiences in the hardwood flooring industry, the importance of finding a mentor, and how perseverance and hard work can pay off in the long run.

Wayne Highlander, National Sales Manager, Adhesives, for Bona US, discusses his perspective on the hardwood flooring industry, and his transition from a contractor to working in sales.  Wayne also talks about how important education has been in his career, in regards to both  learning and giving back to the industry.  

A business owner, speaker, and author, Lisbeth Calandrino discusses her unique approach to selling, how to better build a brand, the true importance of installers, advice for retailers, planning for success in the year ahead, and more.

In the third and final part of a conversation with Brett Miller and guest Emily Morrow of Emily Morrow Home, discuss the proper cleaning and maintenance of wood floors, common misconceptions, and why sometimes less is more.

Brett Miller and Matt Thrane from Gehl Flooring Supply discuss the important but sometimes overlooked role that distributors have in the hardwood flooring industry and how they act as bridges between contractors and manufacturers.

Stephen and Matthew Young of Young Brothers Hardwood Flooring discuss how best to build knowledge and confidence in the hardwood flooring industry, pushing past your competition, and risking failure in pursuit of progress.

Brett Miller and Gene Wengert, aka The Wood Doctor, discuss his perspective on the hardwood flooring industry and the relationship between moisture and wood.  

Don't miss out on Gene's upcoming online seminar, being held on March 12, 2021. https://nwfa.users.membersuite.com/events/5b9f4133-0078-cc2e-d848-849bc3697bcd/details

Brett Miller is joined by Kevin Mullany of Benchmark Wood Floors to discuss Kevin's history in the hardwood flooring industry, how to create a sense of teamwork with staff, finding the best employees, the benefits of NWFA certification, and more.

Brett Miller is joined by Jeffrey Forbes and Carol Goodwin of the Goodwin Company. Well known for its river-recovered wood, Brett, Jeffery, and Carol discuss the history of the Goodwin Company and the unique characteristics of the wood they use to create luxury antique wood flooring.

Brett Miller chats with Avi Hadad, owner of Avi's Hardwood Floors, about his history in the hardwood flooring industry, the importance of professional instruction, and his philosophies on both flooring and life in general.

Brett Miller chats with Kindl And Walker Chewning of Southern Woods Flooring about their recent entry into the hardwood flooring industry, and working with their father and company owner, Robert Chewning. They also discuss the labor shortage facing the industry, perspectives on education, and how they are preparing for the future.

Brett Miller and Tim Nathan from Basic Coatings discuss the importance of increasing your skill level and being better than the competition, perspectives on industry innovation, water-based stains, the rise of UV stain technology, and more.

Brett Miller and Marc Schulz discuss Marc's path in the hardwood flooring industry, his unique perspective on sanding theory, and the importance of attending educational courses to enhance skills.

Brett Miller and Todd McDonald of Maple Ridge Handscraped discuss what it means to be a part of the hardwood flooring industry, why taking care of your health is important, hardwood flooring industry legends who made marks on his career, and more.

Brett Miller chats with Tom Ourada about his beginnings working with wood flooring, his passion for finding unique flooring material, his recent multiple 2021 Wood Floor of the Year Awards, including Best in Marquetry/Inlay, Circle/Curved Application, and Members' Choice, the importance of positive self-talk, and more.

Brett Miller and Denny Hickman of Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring discuss moisture content, kiln-drying, the performance of live-sawn wood, common and uncommon issues caused by improper drying, and more. 

Brett Miller chats with Steve Seabaugh. They discuss his beginnings working with wood flooring, overcoming adversity, the biggest changes he's seen in the hardwood flooring industry, and more.

Brett Miller is joined by Joseph Hillenmeyer from Aprilaire, and Matt Hoots of Sawhorse Inc. to discuss an upcoming webinar on how humidity impacts wood flooring.  The  free webinar will be held on Thursday, August 26 at 11:00 AM CDT.  

Register now at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5569924012807502351

Brett Miller chats with Edward Tsvilik of Czar Floors and Terra Erb and John Wonderly from the Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association. To learn more about Czar Floors' winning entry, click here.

Brett Miller chats with Jason Goldberg, founder and CEO of America's Floor Source. They discuss the labor crisis, addressing the shortage of qualified workers in the flooring industry, how trade associations should be playing a vital role, and combining forces to put trainers on the street to bring new installers to the trade. They also talk about the importance of investing in training, his passion for training for the wide variety of employees under his supervision, and the process he uses to create a pipeline for employees to succeed in the flooring trade. 

Brett Miller chats with Footprints Floors owner, Bryan Park. They discuss the importance of honing your sales skills and how they translate into company growth, how he took a leap of faith and started his business, his recent educational partnership with the NWFA, and more. 

Join Brett Miller as he talks with several students at the recent NWFA Wood Floor Inspector school. This school happens once each year and takes a heavy commitment from each of the students who attend. This five-day in-person course has been developed to prepare wood flooring professionals to earn the NWFA CWFI credential. Training involves learning about the inspector's role, their legal responsibilities, identification of wood flooring problems, testing methods, tools, report writing, and more.

Brett Miller chats with Footprints Floors owner, Bryan Park. They discuss being a businessman versus being a craftsman and how to understand your market. Park also talks about understanding the vital role margins play in the success of your business.

Brett Miller is joined by Kayleen McCabe, general contractor, TV host, and trades advocate, to discuss apprenticeship, the importance of inspiring the next generation to get involved in the trades, and more.

Brett Miller is joined by Daniel Boone, Training Manager at American Sanders. Brett and Daniel discuss the history of industry training, the importance of mentors, sanding tips and tricks, unsung industry veterans who have shaped the hardwood flooring industry, and more.

Brett Miller and James Toal of Loba-Wakol discuss his history in the industry, theories on the sanding process, finishes, and the importance of education...

Brett Miller kicks off 2022 with a group discussion with the NWFA Regional Instructors as they prepare for the year ahead at their annual meeting at NWFA headquarters.